The End of the Affair â€� Reader Q&A

Questions About The End of the Affair

by Graham Greene

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about The End of the Affair, please sign up.

Answered Questions (6)

Is this book a religous one???

Nicholas This book has religious and philosophical themes in the way that The Brothers Karamazov does, but it is not religious apology. Rather, it a literary eâ€¦m´Ç°ù±ðThis book has religious and philosophical themes in the way that The Brothers Karamazov does, but it is not religious apology. Rather, it a literary exploration of religion and its role (or lack thereof) in human life/love/grief. The book contains arguments both for and against the existence of (G)od without attempting to persuade the reader of either position. Throughout the book, some of the characters struggle with belief/disbelief. From a philosophical and literary standpoint, it is one of the most interesting treatments that I have read on the subject. Beautiful book. I would highly recommend it.(less)

flag

End of the Affair is my first Graham Greene book. While I intend to read his other books, I noticed Greene has written on diverse subjects. Does anyone has a recommendation for a similar book with the same theme? Thank you.

Zoeb First of all, it is wonderful that you have now started reading Graham Greene. I can assure you, beforehand, that you will be rewarded splendidly as yâ€¦m´Ç°ù±ðFirst of all, it is wonderful that you have now started reading Graham Greene. I can assure you, beforehand, that you will be rewarded splendidly as you discover his other novels and stories.

Coming to the question, well, in my opinion, 'The Power And The Glory' is another book by Greene that has quite similar themes, though a completely different narrative arc that might somehow disguise that similarity. At heart, 'The End Of The Affair' is about one man's atheism and lack of belief in God being tested and ultimately challenged and overcome by the resounding evidence of miracles and the bitterly ironic victory of devout faith over love and lust. 'The Power And The Glory', while being closer in spirit to Greene's pursuit thrillers and portraits of contemporary pathos, is also eventually about a flawed priest, who has strayed from his path too often, rediscovering the devastating but also enlightening beauty of his own faith and also about his atheist enemy who himself is compelled in the end to re-examine his own beliefs. I won't reveal too much of the plot but do give it a try. It comes highly recommended from me and it is universally acknowledged as his magnum opus, though with Greene, that title is up for grabs by almost every book in his career. (less)

flag

I just marked this as "to-read". Does this book remind anyone of "The Sense of an Ending" by Julian Barnes, vis-a-vis looking back at one's past/past loves/loves lost etc.? In the loosest sense?

Ann I think that's a good comparison!â€¦m´Ç°ù±ðI think that's a good comparison!(less)

flag

Â¡Que tan motivador es este libro ?

Kumari de Silva well I had some of the same thoughts - that the characters as written don't sound like very nice people. Especially Morris is kind of monstrous sometiâ€¦m´Ç°ù±ðwell I had some of the same thoughts - that the characters as written don't sound like very nice people. Especially Morris is kind of monstrous sometimes. But (there's always a but, right?) But if you think of the book as merely a frame to hang philosophical musing on you might consider it's time and place in history. These characters live through the war in London, although not expressly described they undoubtably lived through 2 wars (WWI and WWII) and the experience has left everyone questioning the meaning of life, and having existential angst. On that level it is even handed and interesting as it does not take a side one way or the other, rather it explores the reasons why people believe or don't believe.
It's also an interesting book on a structural level in that we see the same events from various perspectives, perhaps leading us to change our minds about characters as we get more information (less)

flag

which title cover do you guys prefer? A) http://www.booksellerworld.com/greene-endaffair.htm B) https://nighthawknews.wordpress.com/2010/05/18/top-100-novels-82-the-end-of-the-affair/ C) https://jacquiwine.wordpress.com/2016/02/02/the-end-of-the-affair-by-graham-greene/